Winnefeld Writes Fictional Story on U.S. Navy Lieutenant

Posted December 9, 2020

Admiral Sandy Winnefeld, USN (ret.), distinguished professor of the practice in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, has written “Reunion,” a blog for the U.S. Naval Institute. The fictitious story is centered around Joseph Hendricks, a lieutenant in the United States Navy, who was onboard the USS Ranger. 

It was January 1984, and Hendricks and Robert Scaggs awaited orders to begin their nightly air inspections off the Iranian coast. They were hoping the winter storm canceled that evening's launch, but they were instructed to proceed. Lightning struck the plane, causing Hendricks and Scaggs to be ejected. Hendricks' parachute malfunctioned, allowing for heavy winds to blow him towards Iran. The blog recounts the harrowing story of Hendricks' escape from Iran.

About Admiral Winnefeld

Winnefeld joined the Sam Nunn School after serving as the ninth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff and the nation’s number two ranking military officer. He retired after a 37-year career with the U.S. Navy.